Job Description
NOTE: This single vacancy is posted in more than one grade level and will be filled based on commensurate education and/or relevant experience. It is written at the lower grade level and expectations increase with the higher grade level. This position will be located either in Beckley or Charleston, WV.
Utility Forester Associate (entry level)
Utility Forester (intermediate level)
POSITION SUMMARY:
Assign and recommend industry accepted management practices to provide corrective control of non-compatible vegetation conditions in utility rights of way to vegetation control contractors; inspect ongoing and completed assignments to assure contract compliance to reduce preventable vegetation interruptions of service and to provide, as much as practical, access to facilities for the purpose of repair and inspection.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- After training, patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations, maintain records of work and make the necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
- Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
- With assistance, estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
- With assistance, determine future utility vegetation management requirements and recommend short and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
- Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans required.
- Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.
- With assistance, recommend work plans, priorities, schedules and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.
- Apply and keep informed of current contract provisions.
- Maintain records and prepare reports on costs, production and work quality. Operate the forestry computer programs and records systems.
- Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Utility Forester Associate (entry level)
Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field or equivalent education and/or experience with two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, but not mandated with Bachelor degree; OR Associate Degree in one of same fields and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in utility vegetation management; OR, High school diploma with a minimum of eight (8) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
A minimum of two (2) years experience as a contract utility forester desired, but not mandated for candidate with Bachelor degree.
1. Must act as a professional, employing a great deal of diplomacy to "sell" the Company's necessary vegetation control projects to the public. 2. Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable. 3. Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required. 4. Some travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.
Utility Forester (intermediate level)
Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field or equivalent education and/or experience with two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired, but not mandated with Bachelor degree; OR Associate Degree in one of same fields and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in utility vegetation management.
A minimum of three (3) years as a Forester Associate or three (3) years in the utility vegetation management industry
1. Must act as a professional, employing a great deal of diplomacy to "sell" the Company's necessary right-of-way maintenance projects to the public. 2. Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable. 3. Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required. 4. Some travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program. 5. Apply AEP Accounting Policies & Guidelines related to expense vs. capitalization for labor, services, and material in a proficient manner.
Desirable License(s)/Certification(s) for both grade levels are:
Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
Arborist certification desirable.
Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license desirable
American Electric Power
1 Riverside Plaza
Columbus
Ohio United States
www.aep.com
